If you are here, you are most likely running on a new VPS server, hosted by DragonHive Hosting, that does not come with a activated Windows Server license. This may cause a few issues, like the server shutting down every hour after the first few days of having the server.
In this guide, we will show you how to activate or 'rearm' your server product key or how to activate a newly purchased Windows product key from a third-party site.
'rearm' Your Server
By 'rearm'ing your server, you are renewing your trial license from Windows that will renew for 180 days. This can be completed a total of 3-6 times. Once this has been done for the total amount of times, you will need to purchase a new product key from Windows or a third party site.
Let's get started.
Firstly, log into your server and open the 'Run' Window by using the following key-binds: Win + R;
Then type 'cmd' to open the command prompt window and press 'OK'
Then, run the following command: 'slmgr.vbs -rearm' and press enter.
Providing there is no error message, you can restart your server.
All being well, details about your Windows Server license will be in the bottom right of the desktop!
Activating Your Own Product Key
If you want your Windows Server to be activated indefinitely, you are able to purchase your own Windows Server License. This will ensure that you no longer have to 'rearm' your server as shown above. These can be purchased by yourself from a third party and activated as shown below, or DragonHive Hosting can do this for you. If you would like us to do it for you, open a support ticket and ask for the activation service.
So, to activate yourself, do the following:
Firstly, open the Windows Information menu by typing 'This PC' into the start menu:
Then right click 'This PC' and select 'Properties'.
Once in the Window below, press the 'Activate Windows' button.
This will open the Windows Settings program where you can select 'change product key':
Then enter the product key you have received from the third party and select 'Next'.
Follow the steps on the prompt to complete the activation. You may have to restart to finish the licensing process.
